Blessing

I don't know about you but I'm not one to turn down a blessing. I find that no matter where the blessing comes from, it makes me feel better about everything.

Sunday, July 27th was the Stonington Blessing of the Fleet beginning with Mass at St. Mary's and then a parade, one of those charming small town events that Stonington Borough has perfected.

Inside the church as the congregants completed their prayers, the rest of us milled about: pirates, the marching band, photographers and vacationers, locals, kids, dogs, traffic directors, security, firemen and of course, Saint Peter; who waited patiently in the bright sun while the rest of us huddled under the shade trees near the library.

Soon the doors of the church opened and the parade participants assembled. The band played on as the pirates discharged their weapons and we all sauntered to the docks where the Bishop of Norwich, Michael Cote, offered prayers and speeches were made.

The memorial was solemn and moving as the wreaths were displayed. Then the Bishop blessed the fishing fleet, each ship decorated in pennant flags and windsocks. A floral wreath was loaded on the fishing trawler Neptune, as well as guests. Once everyone was assembled, the Neptune led a procession of boats just beyond the breakwater outside Stonington Harbor. The wreath was laid in the water in memory of the lives lost in an industry that can be fraught with peril, in fact Stonington is home to the last commercial fishing fleet. The ceremony is to honor and remember those who have passed as well as to celebrate and bless the current fleet, praying for both success and safety in the coming year.

For some reason, I expected the harbor to be packed with boats of all types, acknowledging everyone's collective love of the sea and in remembrance of any lives lost. In my mind, I thought the harbor would be festooned with everything from kayaks to yachts until someone reminded me that this was New England and things are done differently here than in California.

Call me simple minded, but if you are the type of person who is on or owns a boat, there stands to reason, you love the sea no matter what vehicle you use. And whether the boat is used for pleasure or for work, there is a passion that exists for being on the water plus a healthy respect for the weather, the natural elements and the creatures. If you are a human being, most likely you have lost a loved one.

All of this culminates, in my eyes, in an amazing tradition of honor, respect and love. A tradition of thanksgiving, prayer and blessings. A blessing of every human, of every sea vessel, a blessing of the food we harvest, the work we each do. A blessing of the people here, now and a blessing for those who have gone on. A celebration of tradition and heritage. A call to action to continue to preserve and sustain and build upon all that we cherish as a community.

I'll accept those blessings any day, as well as send them forth. May your lives be filled with blessings.